
Salicylic Acid is a powerful ingredient that helps fight acne and prevent future breakouts. It has become a staple in most effective skin care regimens. Its ability to get rid of stubborn acne and preventing new blemishes from forming has made it one of the most popular skin care marvel. It’s found on many skincare products either over-the-counter or prescriptions.
Salicylic Acid is the most common type of beta-hydroxyl acid (BHA). It is an organic chemical compound derived from plant-based hormones. Salicylic acid for acne can treat a variety of skin problems like cysts, whitehead, and blackhead and clogged pores.
Salicylic Acid is both highly comedolytic and keratolytic. It does not only remove dead skin cells but it deeply penetrates the skin and break up cells within the epidermis. This allows your skin to follow a normal cell-replacement cycle.
It speeds up the exfoliation process, helps loosen clog pores, and removes impurities allowing the sebum to excrete from the skin naturally.
Salicylic Acid has the same anti-inflammatory properties as aspirin. It eases swelling and redness due to clogged pores. It is a good choice for skin that is rough, bumpy in texture and without many red pimples. It is less irritating and drying than benzoyl peroxide.
How to Use It
Salicylic Acid is commonly used as a topical spot-treatment. It comes in cleanser, cream, gel, washes and medicated pads. The concentrations range from 0.5% to 2%.
Spot Treatment: Place a dab of gel on the skin with acne and watch it disappear overnight. It’s great for forehead, nose, hairline and chin acne treatment.
Face wash: Pat the face wash on your face after cleansing. Do not rub to avoid harming your complexion further. Use a face wash that is low in strength.
Exfoliator: Apply the exfoliator on the face and let it absorb for 30 seconds before washing it off. You can use it daily or on a weekly basis.
Peels: Use the face peel every two weeks. Face peels concentration is usually stronger and can damage your skin if used more often. You can buy salicylic acid here.
Possible Side Effects of Salicylic Acid
Products with salicylic acid come with adverse side effects depending on how sensitive your skin is. Common side effects are:
- Peeling
- Irritation
- Sensitivity to sunlight
Getting the Best Result from Salicylic Acid
- When you use this product, use only one Salicylic Acid treatment at a time to avoid excessive skin drying.
- Use only a low concentration to avoid any potential side effects.
- When you begin using this product on your face, start by using it every other day or night.